In a pitching duel, Unaka had just enough in the tank.
The Lady Rangers captured a 2-1 victory over North Greene in the winner’s bracket finale of the District 1-A Softball tournament at Happy Valley High School.
With the win, Unaka advances to Thursday’s Championship game, and also secured a spot in the Region 1-A tournament.
In the elimination game, Cloudland pulled away late to take a 12-2 victory over Hampton. The Lady ‘Landers advanced to take on North Greene with a berth in Wednesday’s elimination game, while Hampton saw their season come to a close.
The nightcap was a battle.
After a quick scoreless inning, North Greene struck first with a run in the top of the second off a Unaka error.
Neither team could get back on the board until the fourth when Lyndie Ramsey and Sadie Shoun scored off a Trinity Bowers single.
The Lady Huskies was able to get the tying run to third base in the bottom of the seventh, but Unaka held on for the win.
Mattie Salyer, Bowers and Ramsey each had a hit for Unaka.
In the pitching circle, Bowers allowed just one earned run on four hits with six strikeouts.
In the opening game, runs came at a premium in the opening innings as Cloudland took a 1-0 lead after an inning of play before Hampton saw Abbie Lunsford and Rachel Fair cross home plate in the second to take a 2-1 advantage.
Caroline Shell and Karah Fields plated runs for the Lady ‘Landers in the bottom of the third, and Cloudland took control from there.
Ryan Turbyfill had three hits to pace Cloudland, while Fields went 2-for-3 with a triple and a double.
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